Meet your new crockpot obsession: Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Sausage. This dish delivers the cozy flavors of pillowy pierogies and smoky sausage, wrapped up in layers of creamy, cheesy goodness that just melt together as they slowly cook. It’s the kind of hands-off comfort meal that warms your home with mouthwatering aromas—and requires almost zero effort. Whether you’re craving a weeknight dinner to delight everyone or searching for an easy dish to bring to a potluck, this recipe is about to become your new favorite way to get big flavor with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are humble but absolutely essential—each one brings a layer of flavor, texture, or creaminess that makes this Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Sausage so irresistible. Every bite is a celebration of smokiness, cheesy richness, and pillowy potato goodness.
- Frozen Potato and Cheese Pierogies: The heart and soul of your casserole, giving you irresistible pillows of potato and cheese that soak up all the savory goodness.
- Smoked Sausage: Slice this into rounds for perfect bites packed with smoky, savory flavor that complements the creamy sauce.
- Onion: Thinly sliced onions add sweetness and depth, blending beautifully with the sausage as they cook.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts into a golden, gooey layer that blankets everything in cheesy decadence.
- Cream Cheese (softened): Adds extra creaminess and richness, making the sauce downright dreamy.
- Sour Cream: Provides tang and silkiness, making the whole dish feel lush and indulgent.
- Milk: Loosens up the sauce just enough so everything melds together without becoming runny.
- Garlic Powder: Lends a gentle garlicky bite that brings the savory notes to life.
- Black Pepper: For that touch of mellow heat and depth that rounds out every forkful.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley (optional): A fresh pop of green and an herbal note to wake up all those creamy flavors right at the end.
How to Make Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Sausage
Step 1: Prep Your Crockpot
Start by spraying the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. Trust me, this simple step ensures that every cheesy, creamy layer will slide right onto your plate and you’ll save yourself any scrubbing later.
Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Sauce
In a medium mixing bowl, stir together the sour cream, softened cream cheese, milk, garlic powder, and black pepper until it’s velvety smooth. This blend is the secret sauce that binds all the goodness together and ensures every bite of Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Sausage is rich and flavorful.
Step 3: Layer the Pierogies and Sausage
Layer half the frozen pierogies in the bottom of the crockpot, spreading them out for even coverage. Next, add half the rounds of smoked sausage, half the sliced onions, and a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese. Spoon over half the creamy mixture in little dollops to cover as much as you can.
Step 4: Repeat the Layers
Repeat the whole process with the rest of your ingredients—add the remaining pierogies, more sausage and onions, the rest of the cheddar, and finish off with the last of your luscious cream sauce. The layers will melt together as they cook, creating cheesy, savory magic!
Step 5: Let the Crockpot Work Its Magic
Pop on the lid, set your slow cooker to low for 4 hours (or high for 2 hours if you’re short on time), and let the Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Sausage do its thing. The cheese will bubble, the sauce will steep into the pierogies, and the sausage will infuse every bite with cozy, smoky flavor.
Step 6: Stir and Serve
When everything is piping hot and gorgeously gooey, give your casserole a gentle stir to bring the layers together. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle with a generous handful of chopped fresh parsley for color and extra flavor before serving up big, satisfying scoops.
How to Serve Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Sausage
Garnishes
A fresh sprinkle of parsley is classic, but don’t be afraid to pile on even more flavor. Try thinly sliced green onions, an extra dusting of cheddar, or a few crispy fried onions on top for some crunch. These little touches add color and freshness that make this dish as pretty as it is delicious.
Side Dishes
Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Sausage is hearty and satisfying all on its own, but it pairs perfectly with a light, zippy green salad or some tangy coleslaw to balance out the richness. Some buttered green beans or roasted root vegetables would also play nicely alongside.
Creative Ways to Present
Ladle the casserole into small bowls for a casual gathering or serve it family-style straight from the crockpot for maximum coziness. For a fun twist, spoon the casserole into individual ramekins, top with extra cheese, and pop them under the broiler for a minute or two until golden and bubbling.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Sausage cool completely, then transfer leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate. The flavors only get better by the next day, and it’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days—plenty of time to revisit those comforting flavors.
Freezing
This casserole is freezer-friendly! Portion out cooled leftovers into freezer-safe containers, and they’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results before gently reheating.
Reheating
To bring back that just-cooked goodness, reheat the casserole in the microwave or pop it back in the oven (covered) until hot and bubbly. If it looks a bit dry, just add a drizzle of milk or a little extra cheese before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While potato and cheese pierogies are traditional here, you can swap in any flavor you love. Sauerkraut, mushroom, or even meat-filled pierogies all work—just keep them frozen until you layer them in.
Do I need to cook the sausage before adding it to the crockpot?
It’s totally up to you. Tossing the sausage (and even onions) in a skillet for a few minutes first develops deeper flavor and a gorgeous golden color, but you can skip this step for maximum convenience and still get a delicious result.
Can I make Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Sausage ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble everything in the crockpot insert and refrigerate it overnight, then just set it in the slow cooker and cook as directed the next day. This makes meal planning a breeze.
How do I make this casserole vegetarian?
Simply omit the sausage or use your favorite plant-based alternative. The rest of the recipe stays exactly the same, and you’ll still end up with a luscious, cheesy pierogi casserole everyone can enjoy.
What toppings are good for Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Sausage?
Fresh parsley, chopped chives, extra shredded cheese, or even a dollop of sour cream all make wonderful finishing touches. You can also get creative with spicy mustard or a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits for added flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a truly cozy, no-fuss meal, you can’t go wrong with Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Sausage. It’s easy, seriously delicious, and always impresses a crowd. Give it a try—the comfort and joy this recipe brings might just make it your go-to for years to come!
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Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Sausage Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American, Eastern European
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Sausage is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights. Layers of frozen potato and cheese pierogies, smoked sausage, onions, and a creamy cheese mixture create a delicious one-pot meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Pierogi Layer:
- 1 (16-ounce) package frozen potato and cheese pierogies
Sausage Layer:
- 14 ounces smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
Onion Layer:
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
Cheese Mixture:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Spray the crockpot: Spray the inside of the crockpot with nonstick cooking spray.
- Mix the cheese mixture: In a medium bowl, combine sour cream, cream cheese, milk, garlic powder, and black pepper until smooth.
- Layer ingredients: Place half of the frozen pierogies in the crockpot, followed by half of the sausage, onions, shredded cheese, and dollops of the cream mixture. Repeat layers with remaining ingredients.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours, until heated through and cheese is melted.
- Serve: Gently stir before serving and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can use different types of pierogies for variety.
- For enhanced flavor, consider sautéing the sausage and onions before layering.
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